Gone are the days when marijuana consumption was done in a secretive manner. The last decade or so has witnessed the legalization of medical marijuana in a large number of US states.
A significant number of medical marijuana dispensaries are coming up in these states, allowing eligible persons to acquire and consume marijuana in a legal manner.
Thus, it’s essential to be aware of the long-term impact of the usage of this controversial drug which has divided opinion since time immemorial.
Long-Term Impact of Medical Marijuana Consumption
Even though a lot of scientific research is yet to be done to fully ascertain the long-term impact of medical cannabis, research studies conducted so far have indicated several long-term effects that one should be wary of.
This includes an increased risk of mental health problems like schizophrenia, cognitive issues, breathing & heart issues, and testicular cancer. Let’s get to know about them in detail.
Mental Health Problems
Smoking high potency cannabis for a prolonged period of time has been found to escalate the risk of schizophrenia when compared with people who have never used marijuana.
Particularly speaking, teenagers and people in their early twenties are susceptible to developing psychosis after marijuana use. In addition to that, high marijuana consumption in adolescents (especially in teenage girls) has been linked to the onset of depression & anxiety later in life.
Cognitive Issuess
Marijuana comprises an active ingredient known as THC that acts on cannabinoid receptors found in brain regions that affect learning, memory, appetite, coordination & pleasure.
As per research, the most significant impact of chronic marijuana consumption is seen in young adults who are still in the process of developing neural connections.
One specific research study conducted on teenagers found impaired neural connectivity in particular brain regions embroiled in a wide array of executive functions such as memory, learning & impulse control in comparison with non-marijuana users.
Breathing Problems
As is the case with cigarette smokers, marijuana smokers are also at a higher risk of contracting lung infections, bronchitis & chest colds.
The myth that vaping marijuana is a comparatively harmless way of ingestion as compared to smoking has long been busted.
Additionally, it has come to light that vaping can result in E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). This potentially fatal lung condition causes breathing difficulties and may necessitate hospitalization.
Heart Issues
Marijuana smoking results in a sudden spike in blood pressure. This can be very risky for people with heart ailments. Research studies have stated that people who use marijuana are at an increased risk of a heart attack after smoking as opposed to people who don’t.
Moreover, researchers have also found a link between marijuana consumption and arrhythmias (improper beating of the heart), in addition to a potentially higher probability of a stroke.
Testicular Cancer
Research studies have also linked marijuana consumption with a greater risk of a specific type of testicular cancer. A well-known study conducted in 2015 concluded that marijuana usage once a week or for over 10 years was linked with an elevated risk of testicular germ cell tumors, or TGCTs.
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